Chapter 9 - The Auditor Comes Out of RetirementI thought my auditing days were finished.
They weren't.
A local nonprofit asked me to help create a financial protection program for elderly residents.
I agreed.
Then another organization called.
Then another.
Soon, I was teaching seniors how to recognize financial abuse.
I taught them to check statements.
Verify signatures.
Question unexplained transfers.
Protect passwords.
Keep copies of documents.
And never let someone convince them that age meant incompetence.
During one presentation, an elderly woman raised her hand.
“What if the person stealing from you is family?”
I paused.
Then answered honestly.
“Especially then.”
The room became quiet.
“Love doesn't cancel accountability.”
The woman nodded.
Afterward, Jared approached me.
“You like this.”
“I do.”
“You're happier than I've seen you in years.”
I smiled.
“Maybe retirement wasn't the problem.”
“What was?”
“Not having a purpose.”
He laughed.
“You're seventy-two.”
“Exactly.”
He shook his head.
“You're never going to stop.”
“No.”
May you like
I smiled.
“I finally have time.”
